2020 BMW 228i Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
14/100
#7 most-complained of 8 228i years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2020 BMW 228i has 3 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 14, ranking 7th out of 8 model years — one of the better years for this model. It has 2 recalls, covering audio module software and sunroof electronics, with no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 23 city / 33 hwy
Top 2020 BMW 228i problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (67%)
- Electrical System1 (33%)
- Other1 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (33%)
What owners report
- Tires reportedly go flat after hitting even small potholes, with one owner reporting a flat at 700 miles and another flat later on a highway.
- One owner described a drive train malfunction that required towing to the dealer, later traced to a faulty GWS system needing reprogramming.
- The same electrical complaint also involved a new center console and battery replacement, with the dealer blaming moisture in the cup holder area.
- Owners in the sample complaints report suspension and electrical issues as the two main problem areas for this model year.
2020 BMW 228i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V584000Aug 16, 2023Electrical System144 vehicles
Electrical system:software
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 21V091000Feb 18, 2021Visibility & Wipers14,011 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."
Risk: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2020 BMW 228i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other 228i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 BMW 228i reliable?
- NHTSA lists only 3 complaints for the 2020 228i, with a complaint index of 14 — the second-lowest among the 8 model years with data, suggesting relatively few reported problems compared to other years.
- What problems does the 2020 BMW 228i have?
- Owner complaints point mainly to Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues, making up 67% of complaints, followed by single reports involving the Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain.
- Does the 2020 BMW 228i have any recalls?
- Yes, it has 2 recalls: one for the receiver audio module software (campaign 23V584000) and one for sunroof electronic coding that could allow unexpected closure (campaign 21V091000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2020 228i compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 14 and rank 7 of 8 years worst-first, the 2020 228i ranks better than years like 2015 (index 86, Avoid) and 2016 (index 71, Caution).